http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo
Thu, 26 Mar 2015 17:21:00 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.2Amazon Undercuts Rivals With Unlimited Photo Storagehttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/26/amazon-undercuts-rivals-with-unlimited-photo-storage/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/26/amazon-undercuts-rivals-with-unlimited-photo-storage/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 17:16:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5923Today Amazon announced upgrades to its Cloud Drive personal storage plans. Photographers looking to archive a huge collection of their image files now get unlimited storage for still image formats and 5GB of space for videos and other files for just $12 a year. A second plan with unlimited storage for file types of any kind is now available for an annual fee of only $60. Amazon Prime subscribers and those who own Fire devices have had free access to the photo-only storage plan since late last year.

Full disclosure: As a former employee of an Amazon subsidiary, I own shares in Amazon.

With today’s move Amazon undercuts the pricing of its rivals while doing away with storage limits. Getting 1TB of space with Dropbox or Google adds up to $120 per year, billed in $10 monthly charges. Google’s 30TB storage plan costs $300 each month. New customers of Apple’s iCloud service would pay $240 over the course of a year for 1TB of storage. Yahoo-owned Flickr offers 1TB of free photo storage but it’s subsidized by ads. The ad-free version costs $50 per year.

While cloud storage prices have continued to decrease dramatically over the past few years, Amazon, with its market leading position in cloud storage has economies of scale that may make it difficult for rival companies to match its latest price cut. But Amazon is still at a disadvantage when it comes to platform integration. The appeal of Apple’s iCloud service is that it works so seamlessly across all iOS devices and apps. Android users and those with Google’s Chrome browser can easily access files on Google Drive from apps on any mobile or desktop device. And of course few photographers today, outside of working pros, would be hamstrung by “only” 1TB of storage. Given the much slower upload speeds of most consumer broadband connections, the prospect of switching from one storage service to another may be too daunting for many users. For those who aren’t using cloud storage already though, Amazon’s latests offerings will likely be very attractive.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/26/amazon-undercuts-rivals-with-unlimited-photo-storage/feed/1Tennessee Sues To Block FCC Broadband Rulinghttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/25/tennessee-sues-to-block-fcc-broadband-ruling/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/25/tennessee-sues-to-block-fcc-broadband-ruling/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 17:08:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5881Following the FCC’s 3-2 vote last month to pre-empt state laws restricting municipal broadband, Tennessee has filed suit seeking a review of the Commission’s ruling. On Friday the state’s Attorney General Herbert Slatery filed a petition with the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to review the FCC’s order, saying, “the FCC has unlawfully inserted itself between the State of Tennessee and the State’s own political subdivisions”.

In its February ruling the FCC asserted its right to overturn state laws that restrict the expansion of publicly-owned broadband networks. “You can’t say that you’re for broadband and then turn around and endorse limits on who can offer it. You can’t say [you] want to…remove barriers to infrastructure investment but endorse barriers on infrastructure investment,” said FCC chairman Tom Wheeler in support of the ruling. The FCC decision came in response to petitions from EPB, a public utility in Tennessee and the city of Wilson, North Carolina. EPB provides Gigabit broadband at affordable rates to residents and businesses in Chattanooga but is limited by Tennessee law from serving any broadband customers who live beyond its utility footprint.

Tennessee is suing the FCC over the right to restrict municipal broadband expansion.

Because of this restriction, rural and sparsely populated areas neglected by traditional ISP providers like Comcast and Verizon have been stuck with unreliable and slow satellite or 3G cellular service for their Internet connections. The law passed with overwhelming support of the cable, satellite and telcos, under the arguement that local municipalities should not put taxpayer dollars at risk by getting into the captial-intensive broadband business. Critics of the law have argued it does nothing more than protect private companies, which deliver poor service at high prices, from meaningful competition.

After the FCC’s ruling, its opponents have framed the issue as one of states rights. In his court filing Slatery says the FCC’s order “is contrary to the United States Constitution” and “in excess of the Commission’s authority.” The suit by Tennessee was widely expected as is legal action from the state of North Carolina. While the FCC’s ruling technically applies on to these two states, its decision creates a framework for municipalities in other states to seek similar relief. Any litigation beyond the US Circuit Court of Appeals would head to the US Supreme Court.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/25/tennessee-sues-to-block-fcc-broadband-ruling/feed/0Sony PlayStation Vue Is Cable TV Without The Cable Companyhttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/18/sony-launches-playstation-vue-its-alternative-to-cable-tv/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/18/sony-launches-playstation-vue-its-alternative-to-cable-tv/#commentsWed, 18 Mar 2015 16:00:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5869Sony is officially launching PlayStation Vue, its much-anticipated streaming alternative to the traditional cable TV package. Offering more than 85 broadcast and cable channels, [tweet_quote display="Sony rolls out Internet TV service to NY, Chicago and Philly PlayStation owners@ForbesTech"]the monthly subscription service is being rolled out today in New York, Chicago and Philadelphia[/tweet_quote] . Gamers in those cities with a PlayStation 3 or 4 console can sign up immediately for channel bundles ranging from $50-70 per month. Additional cities will be announced later this year and Sony says that PlayStation Vue will soon be available on iPads, with support for set-top boxes from Apple, Roku and Amazon coming “shortly”.

Sony’s version of the cable TV bundle offers a wide array of programming and their intent is clear. “We don’t expect our service to be used alongside a cable service,” says Dwayne T. Benefield, Sony VP and head of Playstation Vue. With 35 million PlayStation users in the US, the majority of whom still subscribe to cable or satellite TV, Sony sees an attractive opportunity to entice part of a highly desirable demographic (18-35-year-old males) away from the likes of Comcast and Time Warner Cable and convert them into recurring video customers.

Sports fans can opt for a $60 per month bundle that adds regional sports networks like YES (New York) and Comcast SportsNet (Philadelphia and Chicago). ESPN (along with other Disney properties like ABC) remains a glaring omission for now. But by reaching distribution deals with carriers of pro franchises like the Yankees, Cubs, Bulls and Phillies, PlayStation Vue provides live home team coverage, a must for many cable subscribers. A $70 per month top-tier bundle brings the channel total to 85 with the addition of several family and lifestyle networks.

None of this sounds much different from a traditional pay TV package, minus the contract commitment and standalone cable box. Where Sony hopes to distinguish itself is in the user experience. Powered by its PlayStation consoles and controllers, all content can be paused or DVR’d, with the latter giving you cloud-hosted access to episodes for 28 days. For shows in syndication, PlayStation Vue will DVR episodes across all available networks. Most, but not all, of the TV programming comes with a three-day window for catch-up viewing. And if you begin watching during the middle of one of these shows you get a brief window (typically double the length of the episode) in which to start it from the beginning.

As an alternative to the traditional program guide, Sony offers several ways to browse for something to watch. A Netflix-style thumbnail grid gives key episode information at a glance. You can set both shows and networks as favorites for faster subsequent access.

With PlayStation Vue, currently airing shows can be grouped by popularity, regardless of which network they’re on.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/18/sony-launches-playstation-vue-its-alternative-to-cable-tv/feed/3The Cordcutter’s Guide To Streaming Videohttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/16/the-cordcutters-guide-to-streaming-video/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/16/the-cordcutters-guide-to-streaming-video/#commentsMon, 16 Mar 2015 15:53:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5846Alternatives to the 200-channel cable TV package have never been more plentiful, and the choices are only going to grow in the months ahead. [tweet_quote display="Thinking about dropping your pay TV service? Here's a look at the gear and services you'll need to do it.@ForbesTech"]If you’re thinking about dropping your pay TV service, here’s a look at the gear and services you’ll need to replace it.[/tweet_quote]

Set-top box

The first requirement—aside from an Internet connection—is the hardware to stream the online content to your TV. Known as set-top boxes, these small tabletop devices connect to your router via Wi-FI or Ethernet and deliver full HD video by plugging into your TV’s HDMI port. So-called smart TVs actually come with this functionality built-in. But there are advantages to using an external set-top box. The performance and onscreen interfaces of smart TVs vary widely among brands, so choosing a set-top box that’s more intuitive and easier to use can make a huge difference. And as the technology advances, replacing an aging set-top box will be much less expensive than buying a new TV. In terms of content, there are many more similarities than differences between competing models, at least when it comes to the most popular streaming apps like Netflix, Hulu and subscription services from major US sports leagues.

Apple TV

Apple TV will be the first streaming device to offer HBO’s new standalone subscription service, no cable contract required.

Even though it hasn’t received a major update since 2012, Apple TV is still the biggest-selling video set-top box on the market. This small cube-shaped device is an attractive option if your household is already full of Apple products since it provides access to your iTunes music and video libraries as well as the ability to stream content from any iOS device to your TV.

The included remote is simple if basic, and the user interface is a bit dated. To select among the channel offerings you must scroll through a fixed grid of apps, though you can rearrange their order to put your favorites near the top. You can buy and rent movies and TV shows from the iTunes store. What you can’t do is access the rival Amazon Prime Instant Video library. Apple did score a programming coup when it announced that the upcoming HBO Now standalone subscription service will be available on Apple TV three months before it will appear on other platforms. So if you want to catch the season premiere of “Game of Thrones” in April without a cable subscription, Apple TV is your only option. The Cupertino giant recently dropped the price of Apple TV to $69.

Roku

The Roku 3 player offers more than 2,000 channels, a Micro SD slot for extra storage, and a remote app for iOS and Android devices.

Roku offers a full line-up of streaming devices with budget-conscious options as well as a top-end model with a beefier processor and gaming options. The flagship $90 Roku 3 features both USB and Micro SD slots, a physical remote with a convenient headphone jack for private listening and remote control apps for both iOS and Android. Roku boasts of more than 2,000 channels, a figure that’s less impressive than it sounds as the vast majority are niche options you’d never watch in the first place. The tiny portion of channels that are relevant can largely be found on rival devices.

Roku has a polished interface that makes browsing channel apps easy. You do have to type in searches using the archaic hunt and peck method, but when a title is found, Roku gives you a list of available channels to watch it on, with the prices displayed so you can choose the least expensive option.

Amazon’s Fire TV stands out primarily for its novel approach to search. Instead of tapping letters via an on-screen keypad you can simply speak your queries into the remote’s built-in microphone. Searches by movie title, actor and genre all return useful results. Unfortunately, voice search is currently limited to just a few channels, chief among them Amazon’s own Prime Instant Video. Netflix is conspicuous by its absence from search results, which means you could easily end up paying for a movie on Amazon that’s available for free on Netflix. To search Netflix and other apps, you must navigate to their individual apps and type searches manually.

Fire TV offers perhaps the most efficiently laid-out interface of any set-top box. Amazon has chosen to push content to the forefront, so instead of a list of apps on the homescreen, you see large thumbnails of movies and TV shows. Select one and you’re presented with a choice of options for watching it. Browsing through content is brisk and on Amazon Instant Video, movies begin with minimal, if any buffering delay thanks to Fire TV’s quad-core processor and a hefty 2GB of RAM. Amazon further leverages these specs by offering game titles and an optional $40 game controller to go with them. If you’ve already got an Amazon Prime account, the Fire TV offers the fastest way to access the company’s library of content.

Gaming Consoles

If you’ve got a gamer in the house you may not need a separate set-top box. The PlayStation, Wii and XBox 360 game consoles all support popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Instant Video. Update: Both the Xbox One and Playstation models now let you stream live TV channels with cable-like monthly subscription options.

Streaming Sticks

Amazon, Google, and Roku all offer “sticks” that plug into your TV’s HDMI port, letting you watch online video from Netflix and other streaming services.

If you want to minimize the clutter and cables in front of your TV, or just save some money, you can use a streaming stick instead. These devices offer the same basic functionality as set-top boxes but come in the form factor of a thumb drive. They hide behind your TV as they plug directly into its HDMI port. Unless your TV comes with a powered USB slot though, you’ll still need a nearby outlet for the power cable.

What do you give up for the smaller size and lower price? Slower processors can mean a somewhat laggy interface, and you lose the extra storage and inputs that come with the larger set-top boxes. But streaming sticks still provide HD output, a wide selection of content to watch and the ability to share your personal photos and videos on the big screen.

Roku’s $50 streaming stick comes with a physical remote as well as remote control apps for both Android and iOS. The same goes for the $39 Amazon Fire TV Stick though its remote lacks the Fire TV’s voice search feature (the voice search remote is available as a $30 add-on). Google’s Chromecast, at $35 is the least expensive option. You’ll have to use your mobile device to operate it though as it comes with no physical remote. And its single-band Wi-Fi chip means it runs on the slower and more interference-prone 2.4 Ghz band.

Content

With the hardware in place its time to build your entertainment bundle. While there’s a lot of free content available, from YouTube to PBS, if you want to watch movies, live sports or binge-watch TV episodes, you’ll need to subscribe to one or more monthly services for content.

Netflix

For $8 per month Netflix offers unlimited streaming of its entire library with zero ads. Add to that popular original programming like “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black” and its easy to see why Netflix alone accounts for nearly a third of North America’s web traffic. With the basic subscription you’re limited to streaming to one device at a time. For $12 per month you can stream on up to four devices simultaneously.

iTunes store

Apple’s one-stop shop for movies, music and TV lets you rent or purchase content that can be shared across any computer or iOS device linked to your account. You can also download purchases to mobile devices for offline viewing. A Season Pass option lets you prepay for the current season of a TV series and watch new episodes as they become available for streaming, typically the day after they air on broadcast TV.

Amazon Prime Instant Video

For Amazon Prime members, their $99 annual subscription provides not only free two-day shipping on purchases but access to a vast library of movies, TV shows and increasingly, original programming like the Emmy-winning series “Transparent”. While many titles are available at no additional cost, the majority of popular film titles (and some TV shows) require a separate rental fee of $3-4 per title.

Hulu Plus

If your viewing habits revolve mostly around TV shows, Hulu Plus is an attractive offering. For $8 per month you can watch current and archived episodes of popular shows from all of the broadcast studios plus cable networks like Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FX and the BBC. Unfortunately, you have to sit through ads (Hulu is jointly owned by Fox, Disney and NBCUniversal). While there is a free version of Hulu, you’re limited to watching it on your computer screen. It’s only through a paid Plus account that you can (legally) stream to your TV through a set-top box. Streaming is limited to one device at a time.

Sling TV

For sports junkies, Sling TV (owned by the Dish Network) offers comprehensive live sports programming, no cable subscription required. For $20 per month you can watch ESPN and ESPN 2 live and access the ESPNWatch app on your mobile devices. A $5 sports package add-on brings you the SEC Network, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, Universal Sports, Univision Deportes and beIN Sports. Sling TV also offers live feeds of channels like CNN, TNT, AMC and the BBC. Streaming is limited to one device at a time.

HBO Now

Set to launch in April, HBO Now is the cable giant’s first standalone offering, one that doesn’t require a cable subscription. We don’t know all of the details yet but it will cost $15 per month and subscribers will be able to access the service from their mobile devices as well. As a result of a licensing deal with Apple, HBO Now will be available exclusively on Apple TV for the first three months after its launch. Service on competing devices is expected after that.

The amount you save (if any) over your current cable bill will of course depend on how many services you need to satisfy your viewing habits. And you’ll still need your ISP for the Internet service that makes all of this possible. But 2015 is shaping up as the year that consumers finally got some real options to the cable bundle.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/16/the-cordcutters-guide-to-streaming-video/feed/0Community Broadband: The Other FCC Rulinghttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/05/community-broadband-the-other-fcc-ruling/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/05/community-broadband-the-other-fcc-ruling/#commentsThu, 05 Mar 2015 15:25:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5827With all of the media attention surrounding last week’s FCC decision in favor of net neutrality, we shouldn’t overlook the ruling that immediately preceded it. In a 3-2 party-line vote, [tweet_quote display="FCC says it will preempt state laws that restrict the expansion of municipal broadband networks @ForbesTech"]the FCC asserted it has the authority to preempt state laws that restrict the expansion of municipal broadband networks[/tweet_quote] .

These high-speed fiber optic networks are run by local governments or public utilities and provide reliable and affordable Internet connections of up to 1GBps to public institutions, residents and businesses. This decision by the FCC will have a direct impact on those living in areas of the country that are underserved, or bypassed altogether by ISPs like Comcast, Time Warner Cable and AT&T.

The municipal broadband ruling came in response to petitions from EPB, a local utility in Chattanooga, TN and the City of Wilson, NC. Both EPB and Wilson’s city government provide gigabit broadband to customers through publicly-owned fiber optic networks. Yet Tennessee law prevents EPB from serving any broadband customers who live beyond its utility footprint. By restricting EPB from offering its services to neighboring counties, even those without high-speed service from commercial ISPs, critics of the law argue that it does nothing more than protect incumbent cable companies and telcos from competition. A 2011 North Carolina law similarly prevents Wilson from expanding its gigabit fiber network, prohibiting its deployment to any areas in which residents currently have Internet service of at least 786kbps, a speed threshold that falls woefully short of any practical online use and is far below the FCC’s newly revised broadband definition.

Why would state legislators be against greater broadband access for their constituents? Supporters of these laws commonly cite a philosophical opposition to government competing with private enterprise. In addition to these geographic restrictions on existing networks, the laws impose significant financial and pricing constraints that make it all but impossible for new municipal broadband networks to be created. Not surprisingly, the legislation in North Carolina and Tennessee passed with overwhelming support from the cable and telco industry.

Explaining his stance on preemption, FCC chairman Tom Wheeler said of these state-wide restrictions, “You can’t say that you’re for broadband and then turn around and endorse limits on who can offer it. You can’t say [you] want to…remove barriers to infrastructure investment but endorse barriers on infrastructure investment. That dog don’t hunt.” The FCC’s ruling says that once a state allows municipal broadband to exist it cannot place geographic or other arbitrary limits on whom they can provide their services to. This decision is in response to a very specific petition that covers just two states. Yet seventeen other states, including Pennsylvania (home to Comcast) and Texas have similar laws restricting municipal broadband. And this ruling provides a framework for municipalities in those states to submit petitions seeking similar relief.

Lawmakers who support the existing laws are predictably framing the FCC’s move as an assault on states’ rights, ignoring the irony that the state laws themselves are thwarting the will of the local communities who’ve built the broadband networks as well as those in neighboring areas who want access to the networks. The State Attorneys General in North Carolina and Tennessee are widely expected challenge the FCC’s authority in federal appeals court. Any litigation beyond that would head to the US Supreme Court.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/03/05/community-broadband-the-other-fcc-ruling/feed/3Megapixels, How Much Is Too Much?http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/27/megapixels-how-much-is-too-much/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/27/megapixels-how-much-is-too-much/#commentsFri, 27 Feb 2015 16:23:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5679Earlier this month Canon turned heads with the announcement of not one, but two 50-megapixel DSLRs, grabbing the resolution crown from rivals Nikon and Sony. But as the megapixel race approaches nearly unheard-of levels in the high-end camera market, there are two essential questions that need to be answered. Do photographers really need 50 million pixels of resolution? And more crucially, can current 35mm lenses even resolve that much detail in the first place?

Nikon accelerated the current push for more megapixels back in 2012 when it launched the D800 and D800E, each with a 36-megapixel sensor. But when I reviewed that camera it quickly became evident that capturing the amount of detail the sensor was capable of required both outstanding lenses and meticulous technique. If you’re after the highest quality image possible, there are really only a handful of lenses that can actually deliver 36MP of information. One of the best of those is Sigma’s 35mm F1.4 HSM lens. This prime lens has outstanding sharpness, lets in a lot of light and its all-metal construction is built to stand up to years of daily use. It’s also heavy, weighing in at almost 1.5 pounds and will cost you $900 (which actually makes it a bargain in the world of high-end optics). And should you, like most photographers, prefer the convenience of zoom lenses, the weight and price increase substantially.

On a recent trip to the Grand Canyon with the D800E I packed Nikon’s 14-24mm F2.8 and 70-200mm F2.8 II lenses—among the sharpest the company makes—along with the Sigma 35mm F1.4. Add the camera body and that’s more than nine pounds of gear to carry, not even counting the tripod. If ultra-high resolution and detail is your goal, you’re not going to be traveling light.

Buying a high-resolution DSLR also means investing in top-notch lenses, which are neither inexpensive nor light. Photo by Amadou Diallo.

Of course, the image detail and clarity is nothing short of stunning. But the only practical way to enjoy this level of detail is to make a large print. And by large, I mean about 20 inches or so on the short side. There’s simply no visual advantage to having that many megapixels if you’re making prints significantly smaller than that.

A 36MP DSLR can deliver fantastic image quality, but you’ll need to be making large prints to appreciate that much resolution. Photo by Amadou Diallo.

So now Canon has upped the ante with its 5DS and 5DS R. But does 50MP give you any practical advantage over 36MP models from Nikon and Sony?

Yes, you can make even more extreme crops and still have files with enough resolution to publish in a magazine. But’s it’s a fair question as to whether any of Canon’s own lenses, the majority of which were designed for film cameras, can actually resolve all the detail this new sensor should be able to deliver. Even the much loved Canon EF 70-200mm F2.8L II, a stellar performer on the 22MP Canon 5D Mk III, may be hard-pressed to duplicate its results on a sensor with more than twice the resolution.

We won’t know anything for certain until the 5D S and 5DS R start shipping later this year, of course. But if you’re seduced by the appeal of a 50MP DSLR, keep in mind that you’ll need to be spending a whole lot of money on lenses and lugging around several pounds of gear for any hope of getting the most out of one.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/27/megapixels-how-much-is-too-much/feed/1Sling TV Adds WatchESPN App And $5 Sports Packagehttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/09/sling-tv-adds-watchespn-app-and-5-sports-package/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/09/sling-tv-adds-watchespn-app-and-5-sports-package/#commentsMon, 09 Feb 2015 15:14:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=1514Sling TV is rolling out its $20 per month live streaming service to the public today, with a host of additional content for cord-cutting sports junkies. Subscribers can now use their Sling TV credentials to access ESPN and ESPN 2 via the WatchESPN app, with the company promising ESPN 3 access in the near future.

Sling TV has announced another new content deal that will bring channels like AMC, BBC AMERICA, BBC World News, IFC, SundanceTV and WE tv to its base channel package in the coming weeks according to a company statement.

Sling TV, a subsidiary of the Dish Network is the first OTT provider to offer ESPN’s stable of channels to viewers without a traditional pay TV subscription. By offering a small-channel bundle at a significantly lower cost than the average cable plan, the company hopes to convert some of the estimated 10 million broadband households in the US without any pay TV subscription into customers. While that audience is dwarfed by the roughly 100 million pay TV subscribers, content providers, mindful of the music industry’s mis-steps with digital downloads, have become increasingly willing to offer their shows to viewers outside of the still-lucrative pay TV model. You can read my review of Sling TV to find out what it offers both to those who’ve never had cable as well as those looking to cut the cord.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/09/sling-tv-adds-watchespn-app-and-5-sports-package/feed/0Canon Unveils 50-Megapixel 5DS And 5DS Rhttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/05/canon-announces-two-50-megapixel-dslrs/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/05/canon-announces-two-50-megapixel-dslrs/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 04:00:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5749The megapixel race is back on. Today [tweet_quote display="Canon passes Nikon in the megapixel race, announcing not one, but two 50MP full frame DSLRs @ForbesTech"]Canon announced not one, but two full frame EOS 5D models with a 50MP sensor,[/tweet_quote] making them the highest resolution 35mm-style DSLRs ever released. The long-rumored EOS 5DS and 5DS R are identical in every respect except that the latter captures slightly more detail by canceling the effect of the low-pass filter.

Both cameras are based on the popular 5D Mk III, sharing its control layout, ergonomics and weather sealing, though they do feature some body construction modifications to reduce internal vibrations when the mirror flips up. The big news of course is the groundbreaking 50MP full frame sensor, which grabs the resolution crown from Nikon and Sony’s 36 MP cameras. Both models are set to go on sale this summer. Here’s what we know so far and what it all means for Canon shooters.

The Canon EOS 5D S and 5DS R each have a 50-megapixel sensor, offering the highest resolution in their class.

Key specs

50MP CMOS sensor

Dual DIGIC 6 processors

Cancellation of low-pass filter effect (5DS R only)

5fps burst rate

61-point AF system

1.3x and 1.6x crop modes

ISO 100-6400

Dual CF and SD card slots

Small and medium size Raw formats

Intervalometer (for time-lapse photos)

What you need to know

The 5DS and 5DS R will ship in June for $3,700 and $3,900 respectively (body only). The cameras are identical in every way except that the 5DS R cancels the softening effect of the low-pass filter that sits in front of both camera’s sensors. The purpose of this filter is to slightly blur the image in order to reduce the instances of color moiré you get when photographing objects with fine repeating patterns, like roof tiles or brickwork at a distance and fabrics when shooting fashion. This is the same two-camera approach Nikon took when they released their D800 and D800E in 2012 (Nikon removed the filter altogether in its followup D810). By canceling out this softening effect you get greater image detail at the cost of increased risk of moiré, which can be difficult to remove post-capture. With that distinction out of the way, I’ll simply refer to the 5D S in the following roundup of camera features.

The 5DS packs 50MP onto its full-frame sensor, giving it the same pixel density of 4.1 µm found on the company’s 20MP APS-C 7D Mark II. The camera features dual DIGIC 6 image processors to handle the enormous amount of data generated by such large files. You can shoot at 5fps which isn’t blazing fast, but is in line with what other super-high resolution DSLRs can capture. The AF system is inherited from the 5D Mark III which means you get a 61-point AF array and options for adjusting AF behavior to fit specific shooting situations. The “Intelligent Tracking and Recognition” system seen on the flagship EOS 1D X and more recently, the EOS 7D Mark II is brought to the 5DS as well, providing a more precise method for automatically maintaining focus on moving subjects.

With the 5DS, Canon introduces two crop modes. In addition to shooting full frame you can set the camera to capture either a 1.3x APS-H crop for a 3oMP file or a 1.6x APS-C crop which yields a 19.6MP image. By doing so you can crop out surrounding areas of the scene to make your subject occupy a larger portion of the frame. This is not a magnification, simply an in-camera crop. You’d get the same results by cropping the image post-capture. When I reviewed the Nikon D800, which also offers a crop mode, one benefit I did find in using it was that the camera’s AF array filled up a significantly larger portion of the frame, providing better subject tracking. On the D800 the crop modes also gave you a faster burst rate. But Canon’s reps have told me there is no increase in burst rate on the 5DS, which is quite unexpected given the smaller (and thus more easily processed) file sizes the crop modes produce.

The 5DS features an intervalometer for those who like to shoot time-lapse photos. There’s also an option to set specific time intervals for the mirror lockup, maximizing sharpness when shooting with a tripod. A new Fine Detail picture mode has been added to the JPEG shooting options and as usual you can shoot in both small and medium size Raw file formats.

Compared to the 5D Mark III

The 5DS doesn’t replace the 5D Mark III, but sits alongside it as a decidedly niche option. For the vast majority of users the 5D Mark III is the more compelling and versatile camera. Among the penalties you pay for 50MP resolution are a slower burst rate, reduced low-light performance and fewer video options as the table below illustrates.

The 5DS and 5DS R deliver more than twice the resolution of the 5D Mark III, but have a smaller ISO range and lack some video-specific features.

The big picture

The sensor in the 5DS was developed in-house says Canon. And while the Japanese camera maker can now boast of having the highest resolution 35mm-style DSLR on the market, it’s been widely rumored that Sony is planning to release its own 50MP sensor in an upcoming Alpha-series camera.

One big question Canon will have to answer over the coming months is which, if any of their current lenses can actually resolve 50 megapixels of detail in the first place. When I tested the Nikon D800 at dpreview, it quickly became apparent that getting the most out of that 36MP sensor meant using the best prime lenses at their sharpest apertures with a sturdy tripod and mirror lockup. Canon users will, at minimum have to use the company’s flagship L lenses to if they want any chance of matching the resolving power of the sensor. Nearly all of these lenses go for $1,000 and up. And again, a tripod will be mandatory for getting all of the detail the sensor is capable of capturing.

A second question is who needs 50MP resolution in the first place? Canon’s pitch to working pros is that instead of investing in a medium format camera system, which can easily cost more than a new car, you can get similar image quality in a smaller, lighter and more versatile package. Fine art photographers and hobbyists with access to large format inkjet printers will be able to make huge 30 x 40 inch prints without upsampling. The challenge for Canon is that so much shooting is now being done for web and multimedia rather than print. In any event, you can shoot a two-page magazine spread just fine with a 24MP camera. And among pros who shoot commercial and fashion, one of the reasons to use a medium format system is that clients often equate huge cameras and expensive systems with a photographer’s worth. Art directors don’t want to go on a shoot and see the photographer using the same camera their uncle Bernie has. So for these pros it’s not always about resolution in the first place.

There’s no denying that a 50MP DSLR is a notable achievement, worthy of the headlines it’s generating. But the reality is precious few photographers need or can even make use of that much data. The 24 and 36MP cameras currently on offer from both Nikon and Sony strike a better balance between resolution and value for the vast majority of hobbyists and professionals. And until production units are released it remains a fair question whether or not Canon’s 35mm EF lenses, most of them developed for film-era cameras, can match what their new sensor can deliver.

Other news

Canon announced several other new products today as well. A new EF 11-24mm f/4 L USM lens becomes the widest non-fisheye optic in Canon’s full frame lens lineup. This 9-blade aperture lens is weather-sealed, comes with a built-in hood and has a minimum focus distance of .28 meters at the wide end. It will go on sale in late February for $2,999.

For those with more modest budgets Canon has announced the EOS T6i and T6s Rebel-series DSLRs. Both cameras feature a new 24MP APS-C sensor, rear touchscreen LCD, 19-point AF system (borrowed from the EOS 70D) and have built-in Wi-Fi. With an ISO range of 100-12,800 they can shoot at 5fps and capture 1080p video at 60fps. While the T6i is geared towards first-time DSLR buyers, the T6s adds features from higher-end Canon models like a top plate LCD screen and rear control dial. The cameras will ship in April with the T6s going for $850 (body only) and $1199 with the EF-S 18-135mm STM lens. The cheaper T61 will be $750 (body only), $899 bundled with the EF-S 18-55mm STM lens and $1099 with the EF-S 18-135mm STM lens. The current model EOS T5i is not being discontinued and will remain in the EOS lineup.

The Rebel T6i and T6s are nearly identical, with the T6s offering some higher-end features like a top LCD and rear control dial.

Canon has also unveiled plans for a PowerShot G3 X which will inherit the 1-inch CMOS sensor found in the G7 X but add a much longer 25x zoom lens with a 24mm-600mm equivalent focal length range. The camera is currently under development and Canon has yet to announce availability or pricing. The superzoom PowerShot SX410 will replace the existing SX400, adding a higher resolution 20MP sensor and longer 40x zoom.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/05/canon-announces-two-50-megapixel-dslrs/feed/1Samsung Launches NX500, A Little Sibling To Its NX1http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/05/samsung-launches-nx500-a-little-sibling-to-its-nx1/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/05/samsung-launches-nx500-a-little-sibling-to-its-nx1/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 10:30:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5772Samsung has announced the NX500, a small and lightweight APS-C mirrorless camera aimed at, in the camera maker’s words “everyday photographers” that nonetheless inherits key specs from the company’s pro-level NX1.

Like its DSLR-styled big brother, the NX500 boasts a 28MP backside-illuminated (BSI) sensor , a top ISO of 51,200, 4K video capture, Samsung’s latest hybrid AF system and a 3-inch SuperAMOLED rear touchscreen. It accepts the same range of NX lenses as well. Yet the NX500 comes in a much more portable package, eschewing a viewfinder and its associated hump for a rangefinder-style body very similar to the NX3000.

As you’d expect from a company that makes smartphones, the NX500 is big on image sharing, offering Wi-Fi of the 802.11 b/g/n variety along with NFC and Bluetooth connectivity.

The camera’s 28MP APS-C sensor is backside-illuminated with all of the chip’s circuitry located behind the sensor which can allow for greater light capture and less noise. While BSI sensors are common in smartphones and 1-inch chips like those in the popular Sony RX100 III and Canon G7 X, the NX500 joins the NX1 as the only cameras with this technology in the much larger APS-C sensor size. Reviewers of the NX1 have found high ISO noise performance to be fairly good, at least in Raw mode, so expect to see similar performance with the NX500.

[tweet_quote display="New NX500 offers key features from NX1 in a smaller camera body with fewer external controls and no viewfinder."]The NX500 essentially takes key features from the NX1 and bundles them in a smaller, less intimidating camera body with fewer external controls and no viewfinder.[/tweet_quote] It’s a far more high-powered option than Samsung’s entry-level 20MP NX3000 which shoots at a slower burst rate of 5fps, has neither a touchscreen nor 4K output and uses an older generation AF system.

The NX500 goes on sale in March for $800 with the 16-50mm kit lens and will come in black, brown and white versions.

]]>http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/05/samsung-launches-nx500-a-little-sibling-to-its-nx1/feed/0Moment Kickstarts iPhone Case+Lens Mount Combo For Photographershttp://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/03/moment-kickstarts-iphone-caselens-mount-combo-for-photographers/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/amadoudiallo/2015/02/03/moment-kickstarts-iphone-caselens-mount-combo-for-photographers/#commentsTue, 03 Feb 2015 14:13:00 +0000http://blogs.forbes.com/amadoudiallo/?p=5767Moment, a Seattle-based startup known for its high-quality iPhone camera lenses is now set to produce [tweet_quote display="On Kickstarter, an iPhone 6 case with built-in lens mount, shutter button, strap loops and camera app integration"]an iPhone 6 case that features a built-in lens mount, shutter button, camera strap loops and tight integration with an upcoming version of the company’s own camera app[/tweet_quote] . The Moment Case was introduced to the public as a Kickstarter project and in just one week has raised more than $300,000 already surpassing the company’s funding goal by more more than 300%.

The case’s most unique feature is a two-stage shutter button that communicates directly with the Moment camera app via Bluetooth. You can use a half-press to lock focus and/or exposure just like on a traditional camera. Or hold the shutter down with a full-press to enable burst mode. A bayonet-style lens mount is built into the case allowing you to securely attach either of Moment’s two lenses (wide and telephoto) with a simple twist. The case can detect which of the two lenses is attached, opening the possibility for specialized app functionality based on focal length. With a relatively thin profile, minus a camera grip-like bulge at one end that houses its electronics and provides a grip suitable for one-handed shooting, the rubberized material provides a slip-free surface. Two aluminum loops at the bottom of the case let you attach any standard camera strap.

Moment’s camera app features a minimalist interface that offers touch and slide gestures to control focus and exposure and a self-timer. A “Raw” photo mode lets you save images in the higher quality TIFF format.

This is Moment’s second go-round on Kickstarter, a follow-up to the hugely successful campaign last fall that raised nearly half a million dollars and launched their lens lineup. “Most companies never go back to Kickstarter once they launch their product,” Moment founder Marc Barros told me days before this newest campaign. “For us it’s an invaluable tool to gauge interest in a product. We’ve spent five months working on what we think is a great product. But now we’ll get to see if it’s actually something that people want.”

You can pre-order the case on Kickstarter until February 26 for $49. Additional backer options include a wood grip on the case, the wide and tele lenses and newly designed lens caps.